Cleveland Browns Face Offseason Challenges with Limited Cap Space

Team must find a way to fit a veteran quarterback under the salary cap while addressing key free agents and the draft.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 NFL offseason with limited cap space of just $3.2 million and a roster of 56 players under contract. The team faces decisions on the futures of notable free agent Devin Bush and quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has underperformed. With 10 total draft picks, including two first-rounders, the Browns may need to rely more on the draft to replenish the roster rather than pursuing free agents.

Why it matters

The Browns have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position in recent years, and their cap situation limits their ability to make major free agent signings. How they navigate the offseason, especially with the Watson contract, will be crucial to the team's chances of contending in 2026 and beyond.

The details

The Browns have 56 players under contract for the 2026 season and $3.2 million in projected cap space. Their most notable free agent is linebacker Devin Bush, and they don't have any fifth-year option decisions to make. Neither current quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders have shown enough to be the long-term starter, and the team may need to find a veteran QB to fit under the salary cap. The Browns have 10 total draft picks, including two first-rounders at No. 6 and No. 24, which could be their best path to replenishing the roster.

  • The Browns must decide on Deshaun Watson's contract before his option bonus is due on March 25.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in the spring.

The players

Devin Bush

The Browns' most notable free agent this offseason.

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' underperforming quarterback who may need to be cut or have his contract restructured.

Dillon Gabriel

One of the Browns' current quarterbacks who has not shown enough to be the long-term starter.

Shedeur Sanders

The other Browns quarterback who has not proven himself as the team's future signal-caller.

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What they’re saying

“I previously wrote that the Browns may have no choice but to restructure Watson's contract to help with the cap situation. They will then be prepared to cut him in 2027 with the post-June 1 designation and deal with the massive dead money charges.”

— Bob Morris, Author (substack.com)

What’s next

The Browns must decide on Deshaun Watson's contract before his option bonus is due on March 25, which will significantly impact their offseason approach and cap situation.

The takeaway

The Browns face a challenging offseason with limited cap space and questions at the quarterback position. Their ability to navigate the Watson contract, address free agency, and maximize their draft capital will be crucial to the team's chances of contending in 2026 and beyond.